Blow Up the 3D Puzzle Bobble Universe from April 22nd

Soon you can stop having to imagine all the wonderful ways a third dimension would benefit the classic bubble-bursting gameplay of the Bust-a-Move/Puzzle Bobble series, as Square Enix announces Bust-a-Move Universe will head to 3DS in Europe on April 22nd.

The game's feature list doesn't sound like there's a lot of significant changes to the classic formula, with a brief mention of Gimmick Bubbles alongside Challenge mode and the traditional Puzzle mode as well. Developer Arika seems to have taken an "if it's not broken, don't fix it" approach, which will either please or infuriate series fans.

Puzzle Bobble Universe reaches Europe from 22nd April 2011.

London (16th February 2011) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces PUZZLE BOBBLE UNIVERSE™, the latest adventure in the classic puzzle series, is heading to Europe and PAL territories from 22nd April 2011, exclusively on the NINTENDO 3DS™.

PUZZLE BOBBLE UNIVERSE sees brothers Bub and Bob facing more bubble trouble as they stumble across an unmanned spaceship and a distant cry for help. Unknown to the dinosaur duo, several surrounding planets have “doors” in their vicinity which have been opened, releasing floods of bubbles that are rapidly turning into hazardous space-debris. With Bob captured by the Boss, Bub must act fast to ensure the future safety of all the planets and their inhabitants.

Larry Sparks, Vice President Brands PAL Region of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “PUZZLE BOBBLE UNIVERSE sees the colourful classic get a 3D makeover. The gameplay mechanics and vibrant visuals associated with the series perfectly suit the new console’s capabilities. PUZZLE BOBBLE UNIVERSE is sure to be a must-have title for any 3DS owner.”

About PUZZLE BOBBLE UNIVERSE

Features· The legendary puzzle game PUZZLE BOBBLE comes full speed to the Nintendo 3DS

· Experience an all-new feeling of depth only made possible by the 3DS

· All-new features including Challenge Mode and a trophy system

· Two Game Modes

o Puzzle Mode§ The player travels around 8 different worlds to rescue friends. Each world contains 10+1 stages for a total of 88 stages in the entire game

o Challenge Mode§ The player can choose from a selection of challenge modes including Non-Stop Bubbles, and timed games where the player must burst as many bubbles as possible in 100 and 300 seconds.

· Gimmick Bubbleso Dramatic visual effects on a screen with depth have been added to the well-received traditional puzzle elements where the player tries to put colourful bubbles together to make them disappear!

Ah good old Puzzle Bobble, how I love thee so. I'm a bit Puzzle Bobbled out after long playing sessions on the brilliant Puzzle Bobble Galaxy DS (NL revw 9/10 btw)...so I will prob get this when cheap.

When will Square/Taito just throw BOTH Bust-A-Move and Bubble Bobble into one "Puzzle Bobble" game? And Rainbow Island for that matter. By themselves, I always find it hard to justify buying these games in retail. They're more suited for downloadable platforms if you ask me. But if Square were to announce a 3DS game with 3 campaigns - a full on, all new, Bust-A-Move, Bubble Bobble, and Rainbow Island - I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

Stop splintering the series guys. This is like when Legacy of Kain had the Blood Omen and Soul Reaver games and then Eidos finally brought them together in LoK: Defiance.